Monday, November 14, 2022
On Sunday, November 13, we headed to Death Valley, though not directly. We first took a drive through Red Rock Canyon, along a scenic drive that goes through part of the park, and we went to the visitor center so Laura could check out things there concerning possible display of her children’s activity calendar.
From Red Rock Canyon, we drove to Death Valley. The drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley is vey scenic. Highway 160 takes you all the way to Pahrump. There is a long scenic climb. I think it would be great on a bicycle, along 160. (I rode my bike into Death Valley in 1988, originating in San Diego and coming over Emigrant Pass.) Highway 160 goes over Mountain Springs Summit at 5,500 feet. We stopped for gas at a Marathon station in Pahrump, then continued onto Highway 190 to Furnace Creek Campground in Death Valley. It was just getting to be dusk when we arrived, found our campsite, and became settled for the night.
Monday, November 14
We drove down to Badwater Basin. It is about 20 miles south of the campground. Walking there on the salt flat was so much fun. We had a blast, amazed by the scenery, miles and miles of expansive desert flatlands surrounded by mountain ranges on all side, breath-taking. The day breathed on high energy and positive vibes as we walked along on crushed salt that seemed to be a long runway into the desert, heading towards Telescope Peak to the west, in the Panamint Range, rising over 11,000 feet. (Badwater is the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level.
We tried doing a photo of Laura jumping up off the ground, reaching for the sky. We could not seem to get the timing right, as seen in the last photo, but, I will say this, we had laughs doing it. It was comically fun trying!
On the way back from Badwater, we drove the Artist’s Palette Scenic Drive. It is a nine-mile, one way loop up and down narrow, very steep roads. The colors of the mountains in this area wonderous, the result of the presence of volcanic deposits of various chemicals and minerals. The road is wonderful, meandering through a variety of landscapes, carved canyons and rock outcrops. It rises high about the saltwater flats, providing an inspiring view up and down the valley (though not quite the same as Dante’s View, as we will soon learn.)
Bình luận